Supramolecular Polymers, Based on Cucurbiturils

Depending on the size of the cucurbituril macrocyclic host and guest molecules, inclusion complexes of 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 stoichiometry can be formed. Thus, the proper combination of cucurbituril hosts with guest-functionalized building blocks enables the formation of supramolecular polymers, such as block copolymers, chain-extended polymers, or biomacromolecule–polymer conjugates. In particular, the latter is of significant relevance with respect to biomedical applications. The fundamental aspects of the cucurbiturils supramolecular chemistry are discussed.